History of the Southern California Youth Philharmonic

For 27 years, the Southern California Youth Philharmonic (formerly the Orange County Junior Orchestra) has been a vital part of Southern California's cultural community by providing a distinguished orchestral experience for young musicians. Since its modest beginnings in 1983, the SCYP has grown from a single orchestra of 72 musicians, to a comprehensive program of 5 ensembles, 3 conservatory classes and a Jazz Studies program involving over 180 members. Countless hours and immense energy from the staff, board, volunteers, and parents have been put forth for the benefit of over 2,000 graduates of the SCYP program. In addition to being lifelong supporters of fine music, many alumni of the SCYP are enjoying successful careers as professional musicians and music teachers.

Throughout its history, the SCYP has earned a reputation for its high standards and dedicated musicians. The orchestra’s commitment to quality has resulted in numerous honors, including invitations to perform at prestigious regional, national, and international music events. Past performances have included international festivals in France, England, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, including two appearances at the famed Salzburg Music Festival. Recently, the SCYP traveled to Australia and New Zealand for a gathering of international musicians. Presented as the featured orchestra of Premiering Sydney 2007, the SCYP took center stage in the renowned Sydney Opera House where they received a standing ovation from a full audience. Of special note was the world premiere performance of Dazzling Lights — Sydney in Celebration, which was composed exclusively for the event by noted composer Roger Cichy.

The SCYP has established a strong tradition of promoting musical interaction and cultural awareness through international travel.  Most recently, the SCYP enjoyed a concert tour in Greece, Turkey and France in the summer of 2010.  In 2009 the SCYP traveled to Prague, Vienna and Salzburg for a series of performances that included an exchange concert with the famed Benda Chamber Orchestra. In 2008, members of the SCYP journeyed to China to participate in Perform in Harmony with Olympic Spirit, part of the pre-Olympic cultural festivities held in Beijing and Shanghai. Future international travels include participating in an Olympic Music Festival in London during the summer of 2012.

The SCYP has also presented featured performances at a number of national festivals, including the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, the state conference of CMEA: the California Association for Music Education, and the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Invitational Music Festival. Other notable achievements for the SCYP include receiving the prestigious ASCAP Award for Youth Orchestras from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (1998, 1999, and 2000).